About
Over the past several years, Amy Cain has taught piano to students of all ages and levels in Ann Arbor, Boston, and Columbus. All of the students in Amy’s studio are trained using a multifaceted approach which includes the study of repertoire (classical, folk, jazz, and more), etudes, technical skills, ear training, sight-reading, theory, composition, music history and performance practices. All of these skills lead to the development of well-rounded, versatile musicians! Learning an instrument is beneficial for many reasons: aside from the obvious enjoyment one gets out of playing beautiful music, working at a skill week after week helps young people build confidence, increase memorization and focus, create and work toward goals, and become self-directed learners. These are not just skills that musicians need to have—these are useful skills for all areas of life! Performing is a key part of music education, thus all of Amy's students are given the opportunity to perform in recitals, small group classes, and in Royal Conservatory of Music exams if they choose. Amy offers 40 minute and 60 minute lessons, and she teaches all ages!
Amy's favorite part of teaching piano is the creativity involved! Every child is unique, therefore her teaching approach with one child might be completely different from her approach with another. Children benefit from Amy's calm, patient approach to teaching.
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new student?
When a potential student contacts Amy, the first step is to set up an appointment in which the student and parent come to her studio for an informal meeting. At this meeting, Amy will give the student a short trial lesson, followed by a conversation with the parent about her studio policies, practice expectations, and requirements. (This is a great time for questions.)
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
Amy began taking piano lessons at the age of 8, and she has played ever since! She earned her BFA in Creative Writing at Goddard College ('14) with a Minor in Music, and she earned her MFA at Boston University ('16). She holds an ARCT Diploma from the Royal Conservatory of Music and is in the process of getting her Music Teacher's Certification through the National Music Teacher's Association. She has training in piano, music theory and pedagogy. Amy is a current member of the Central East Ohio Music Teacher's Association; she regularly attends trainings and conferences in order to grow as a teacher. Over the past several years she has taught piano to students of all ages and levels in Ann Arbor, Boston and Columbus.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your lessons? If so, please share the details here.
Lesson tuition is charged by the month and is priced as follows*:
weekly 40 min lessons = $135/month
weekly 60 min lessons = $195/month
*while most teachers offer 30 minute lessons, I have chosen not to. I find that the 30 minute lessons are SUCH a time crunch; they do not allow me to meet the individual needs of each student that walks in my door. By making 40 minutes the minimum lesson time, both student and teacher get to enjoy lessons without feeling rushed!
What questions should students think through before talking to teachers about their needs?
Before beginning lessons, it is important to consider these questions:
-Can you make a commitment to helping your child meet practice goals each week?
-Do you have a real piano or a keyboard with weighted keys, or plans to procure one of the above soon?
-Does your child have a real interest in learning a musical instrument?